Simplemost is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Women’s Trail Running Shoe

Last updated on September 14, 2021

We looked at the top 15 Women's Trail Running Shoes and dug through the reviews from 50 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Women's Trail Running Shoes.

best-womens-trail-running-shoe

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the Simplemost seal for products that are the best in a category.

Running is a great form of exercise for fitness novices and seasoned experts. When done on a regular basis, running helps to strengthen the heart and cardiovascular system. Runners also typically have strong leg and thigh muscles, in addition to having high bone density in the legs and hips.

Many runners choose to run on even ground, such as on treadmills and sidewalks. While that certainly has its own benefits, trail running can provide additional physical benefits. Trail running involves running on uneven terrain. It also includes running uphill and downhill, often on very steep inclines.

As a result of running uphill and downhill, trail running actually provides better strength training for legs as compared to road running. Trail runners also need to sharpen their balance and agility skills, ensuring they don’t fall on uneven ground, which is often full of rocks and tree roots. In addition, trail running involves navigating sharp turns and steep slopes, so runners need to be acutely aware of their surroundings.

In addition to the physical benefits of trail running, there are also numerous benefits to one’s mental health. Running helps to increase vitality and enhance energy. It can also help to reduce stress and tension. Exercising in the outdoors can help people feel more relaxed and build a closer bond with nature. This is known to boost creativity and feelings of positivity.

In order to protect the joints and muscles from the strains of trail running, it’s critical to have the proper shoes. Road shoes and trail shoes are built differently as they are made for two completely unique environments. Road shoes are made of lightweight material to encourage speed. There is not much need for traction in the soles of the shoes, as roads are an even surface.

Trail shoes, on the other hand, are more heavy-duty. Their job is to protect the foot from the elements of the uneven terrain. The soles of the trail shoes have enhanced tread patterns so that the runner doesn’t slip or fall while navigating stones, sticks, roots and other obstacles on the trail.

“You’re looking for that traction on the bottom of the foot but also durability on the outside of the foot,” Stephanie Mansour, a certified personal trainer and the founder of fitness brand Step It Up Steph, advises. She notes that you want a trail shoe made with materials that will support and protect your foot from rocks, tree roots or anything else you may knock into on the trail

“Unlike a running or a walking shoe, you’re looking for a shoe that is a little bit stiffer,” Mansour says. “This is because it needs to withstand the treacherous environment that you won’t find in a gym or on a sidewalk! These shoes need to be built to last.”

Our Picks For The Top Women's Trail Running Shoes

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
  Best Overall

Saucony Versafoam Excursion Tr13 Women’s Train Running Shoe

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Saucony

Versafoam Excursion Tr13 Women's Train Running Shoe

Spend time enjoying the great outdoors with this comfortable women's trail running shoe. It's made using a triangular-lugged outsole for a solid grip on rough terrain and supportive overlays that keep your foot from slipping around inside the shoe. There are nine different color patterns to choose from, including orchid, berry, honeydew and light b...

Overall Take

Versafoam CushioningProtect your feet from stones and debris when hiking using this high-quality women's trail running shoe.

  Great Traction

Salomon Trailster Women’s Trail Running Shoes

Salomon

Trailster Women's Trail Running Shoes

With this women's trail running shoe, you'll get both toe and heel protection. The Contagrip sole offers superior traction, so you can run on a soft surface one day and a hard surface the next. Runners will love the fit and the addition of the popular Ortholite sockliner.

Overall Take

Best GripNo matter what type of terrain you plan on tackling, this women's trail running shoe with Contagrip sole has you covered.

  Minimalist Build

SAGUARO Minimalist Barefoot Women’s Trail Running Shoe

SAGUARO

Minimalist Barefoot Women's Trail Running Shoe

If you enjoy walking barefoot, but need a bit of protection when hiking and camping, you'll want to go with this women's trail running shoe. The upper shoe is breathable and made using a stretchable spandex, while the rubber bottom offers a solid grip on rocky surfaces. The front buckle is fully adjustable for a customized fit.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this women's trail running shoe comes in an astounding 42 different color choices.

  We Also Like

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi Trail V1 Women’s Trail Running Shoes

New Balance

Fresh Foam Women's Trail Running Shoes

Whether you're running on the road or on an off-beaten path, this set of women's trail running shoes has you covered. Not only can they handle multiple terrains, but they also come with an EVA foam insert for extra support and comfort. There are five different styles to choose from in both narrow and wide sizes.

Overall Take

Increased ComfortKeep your feet from becoming sore when you run with this women's trail running shoe that's got an EVA foam insert for added comfort.

  Lightweight Pick

ASICS Frequent Women’s Trail Running Shoes

ASICS

Frequent Women's Trail Running Shoes

You'll stay light on your feet with this pair of women's trail running shoes. They are made of synthetic leather and feature an upper mesh that offers breathability. The reversed lugs on the outside of the shoes provide uphill and downhill traction no matter what type of terrain you're running across.

Overall Take

Breathable MeshMade with a mesh upper, this pair of women's trail running shoes is lightweight and breathable.

Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, Simplemost analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
22

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the women's trail running shoes available to purchase.
15

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

50

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources.

49,404

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our Expert Consultant

Stephanie Mansour   
Certified Personal Trainer, Health and Wellness Expert

Stephanie Mansour, host of “Step It Up with Steph” on public broadcasting, has been coaching women for over a decade on how to lose weight and make it last. She has a Bachelor of Arts in communications with an emphasis on women’s studies and psychology from the University of Michigan. She holds certifications in life coaching, personal training, yoga and Pilates.

The Best Bang For Your Buck

SAGUARO Minimalist Barefoot Women’s Trail Running Shoe

Our Total Score

9.3

Our Take

If you enjoy walking barefoot, but need a bit of protection when hiking and camping, you'll want to go with this women's trail running shoe. The upper shoe is breathable and made using a stretchable spandex, while the rubber bottom offers a solid grip on rocky surfaces. The front buckle is fully adjustable for a customized fit.

What to Look For

  • The most important element to consider when purchasing your trail shoes is the sole of the shoe. This is what will protect your feet from the various terrain you’ll encounter on your run. The ASICS Frequent Women’s Trail Running Shoes boasts a strong rubber sole with multi-surface traction. Other shoes have a rubber outsole that allows the runner to experience a more responsive feel of the terrain. They provide a strong grip on the uneven terrain. The New Balance Fresh Foam Women’s Trail Running Shoes features a rubber sole with all-terrain tread.
  • In order to have the comfort you need to complete long, intense runs, it’s critical for your trail running shoe to have solid support for your foot. Women’s trail running shoes with a cushioning system are an excellent choice. Some even have a removable foam sock liner that accommodates orthotics. A shoe with removable insoles is ideal, as it’s designed to support the arches. This helps you to transfer weight over the ball of the feet and not put too much pressure on the arch.
  • When running outdoors, it’s important to choose a shoe that can withstand the elements. You want a women’s trail running shoe that is waterproof, so you can easily run in the rain without soaking your socks. Keep in mind that some shoes take a long time to dry when they get wet.
  • If you have a particularly wide or narrow foot, it’s important to choose a shoe that accommodates your size. The ASICS Frequent Women’s Trail Running Shoes is known to have a narrow inside, which can limit the flexing of the feet. The New Balance Fresh Foam Women’s Trail Running Shoes, on the other hand, is good for those with wider feet.
  • When dealing with rough terrain with lots of loose rocks and dirt, your trail running shoes are bound to get a bit muddy. If you want your shoes to look spic and span after a few wears, it’s important to choose one that can be easily cleaned. It can be difficult to wash the dirt out of the mesh fabric of the ASICS Frequent Women’s Trail Running Shoes.
  • For some runners, style is as important as function. It’s nice to have the option to choose a trail running shoe that comes in color combinations that reflect your unique style. All four trail running shoes come in multiple color combinations. Note that the ASICS Frequent Women’s Trail Running Shoes and the New Balance Fresh Foam Women’s Trail Running Shoes come in fewer colors than other trail running shoes.

More to explore